Third Annual Kinetic Sculpture Race in Lowell

The free event takes place on Saturday, September 22, 2018.

Lowell, Massachusetts will once again host the annual Kinetic Sculpture Race on Saturday, September 22, 2018.

Sitting squarely at the crossroads of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematicsthis third annual Kinetic Sculpture Race, sometimes referred to as the Triathlon of the Art World, is comprised of home-engineered kinetic sculptures, all-terrain, human-powered vehicles with an artistic twist. Each kinetic team has a theme and consists of pilots, pit crew and support crew. Kinetic pilots pedal the sculpture and steer while the pit crews assist the pilots in transforming the vehicle for the various elements and fixing mechanical issues. While there is an award for the fastest time to complete the course, the goal of the race is to create an enjoyable, family friendly racing spectacle for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Free of charge and open to the public, Lowell’s Kinetic Sculpture Race is a day-long event that is great for all ages. Spectators can view the race at various obstacle locations around Lowell; interact with competitors and officials; and enjoy live music against a backdrop of whimsical racing machines.

From 8:30-10:30AM on race day, fans and spectators alike can head down to Market Street to meet the racers and view the wacky sculptures. The opening ceremonies will take place at the intersection of Market and Palmer Streets with a rousing kickoff at 10:30AM, followed by the start of the race. These engineering feats will be racing through the streets of Lowell, going down the ‘Bone-Shaker Alley’ of Middle Street to the Maddening Mud Pit at the Tsongas Center then off to brave the waters of the Merrimack River at the DCR Lowell Heritage State Park where they will emerge to race back to the finish line on Market Street.

“The Lowell Kinetic Sculpture Race is a highly anticipated event every year due to its strong fun for all culture and its emphasis on creativity and recycling,” said Tom Fitzmaurice, Executive Director of the Greater Merrimack Valley Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. “As a constantly evolving destination for education, innovation and the arts, Lowell embodies the spirit of kinetic energy and is the perfect backdrop for what has become an annual celebration of the collaboration of art and sciences.”

Schedule:

8:30AM – Festivities Begin

10:30AM – Opening Ceremonies, Kickoff by the Party Band, followed by the start of the race (Downtown @ intersection of Market & Palmer Streets)

11:30AM – Maddening Mud Pit (near Tsongas Center rotary)

1:00PM – Food Truck and live entertainment w/ Bo Joeman & The Sarcasmatics (Heritage State Park, VFW Parkway) Cheer on the competitors as they attempt to traverse the Merrimack River